Football made in GH

JACKSON OWUSU-The Sky is the Limit

There is no place like home. It’s Thursday afternoon 15:25 local time.Soccer in Ghana’s Nana Osei Kofi Abiri (NOKA) goes back to his roots as he is in Ghana to interview Berekum Chelsea skipper Jackson Owusu.

Previously known as Bechem Chelsea Football Club, the board of directors heeded the advice by the Ghana Football Association to use the name Berekum Chelsea rather than the Bechem Chelsea. Berekum Chelsea has not been in the form that saw them win the league last season and many reasons have been assigned to their misfortunes. Hence, the appointment of Hans van der Pluym after parting ways with Steve Pollack last Sunday.

His first assignment is at Sekondi this weekend as Berekum Chelsea locks horn with newly promoted side Wassaman Fc.Coach Hans van der Pluym will need his skipper to help Chelsea recover from their slump in form.

NOKA had a chat with Jackson Owusu . They discussed him playing for the Black Stars one day; life in Berekum; and his dream to play for Marseille.

Personal

Tell me more about your family

Jackson: I was born in Makro,Kumasi. My mother lives in Germany. I am a Christian (a roman catholic) and I’m very God fearing.

Are you still in school?

Jackson: No but I attended Eben International School in Makro,Kumasi. Junior High School was my highest level of education.

What do you do at your leisure time?

Jackson: Iplay video games, mostly FIFA 11 on my PlayStation 3.

What is/are favourite movie(s)?

Jackson:I don’t have a favourite but I like adventure movies.I think Robin Hood is not a bad movie.

What is/are favourite television programme(s)?

Jackson: I don’t have one.

What is your favourite food?

Jackson:rice and tomato stew

Do you eat before a match?

Jackson: Yes, I eat spaghetti around 11 am.

Humble Beginning

How did you start out in the game, where did your passion for football come from?

Jackson: I have been playing football since my childhood.

Who is/are your role model(s)?Why?

Jackson: Wesley Sneijder.I admire him because he is one of the best passers in the world.He’s a free kick specialist.

Who do you see as the best player in the world?

Jackson: Xabi Alonso

What is your position?

Jackson: I am a defensive midfielder but I’ve also been utilized in defence on several occasions.

Which Clubs have you played for?

Jackson:Osika FC,Medoma and now Berekum Chelsea.

Life at Chelsea

How has it been for you at Chelsea?

Jackson: I’ve been at Chelsea for the past five years and I’ve been with them right from the first division. I am the longest serving player in the team. I played all 30 games last season but failed to find the back of the net. Personally, it was a great season. We won the Glo Premier League for the first time in the club’s history. No one expected us to win it.

What is/are the moment(s) you remember the most ?

Jackson: Firstly, when we came from two goals down to win 3-2 in Kumasi in the 1st Round of last season’s league.My second best moment is Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Accra Hearts of Oak in Accra last season.

Jackson: Marseille is a team I would love to play for one day. Young players are given the chance to develop their game. Players like Andre and Jordan Ayew have all been given the chance to show the world their potential.

What is your goal/ambition?

Jackson: I want to be known internationally and represent my national team. The sky is the limit.

Jackson :Yes, a lot of teams outside Ghana want me. Accra Hearts of Oak, Kotoko, Ashgold and Medeama Sporting Club all want me to play for them.

I’ve realized you never captain your side even though you are the skipper of your team. Why is that so?

Jackson:Yes I’m the general captain of the team but I rarely captain the side because when I do so I usually get injured and when one player in the side captains and we win he continues to keep it till we lose a game.

Glo Premier League

How do you rate the standard of the Glo Premier League?

Jackson: It is very competitive. It is a good learning curve for young players like me.

Jackson: The future is bright especially after our national teams’ performances at international tournaments. The local clubs also have to follow suite.

National Team

Have you represented any of Ghana’s national teams before?

Jackson: I was part of the Satellites team that qualified for the Under-20 Africa Cup this year. I played in the qualifiers but I was very disappointed I wasn’t selected for the main tournament. I hope I get my chance and my dream is to represent the Black Stars one day.